How much South Africans can earn teaching English abroad
Acquiring TEFL certification can put South Africans abroad, travelling, working and earning foreign currency with little tertiary education or work experience.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a globally recognised certificate that can be completed online and open up work opportunities in roughly over 100 countries.
In the company’s latest 2023 World Factbook, researchers break down the average earnings, period of work and requirements for all listed countries.
TEFL said that there had been an increase in digital nomads seeking a more flexible work-life balance. As a result, there are more resources available than ever, with visas on offer and flexible employers willing to take up new staff.
Online TEFL classes are currently offered at various price ranges. including:
- Online level 3 TEFL certificate course (120 hours): R1,850 – This course equips people with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach English informally while volunteering, backpacking, or finding work in a foreign country. Students have six months to access the course, but they can finish it in as little as 3-5 weeks.
- Online level 5 TEFL diploma course (168 hours): R2,844 – provides an in-depth overview of TEFL and is aimed at people who want formal employment teaching English.
- Combined level 5 TEFL diploma course (168 hours): R4,995
- Teaching practice course, Level 5 (10-hour webinar): R1,945 – This course is open to anyone who has completed a Level 5 TEFL course.
BusinessTech looked at countries across the globe and just how much South Africans could make with a TEFL qualification:
Europe
Italy
- R15,688 – R29,416
- Qualifications: Level 5 TEFL certificate and a degree of some sort
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20-30
- Visa info: EU citizenship or work visa
France
- R25,396- R39,221
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20-25
- Visa info: Residence permit based on employment or EU passport
Belgium
- R29,416 – R39,221
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20-25
- Visa info: EU citizenship or work visa
Netherlands
- R31,377 – R41,182
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20-30
- Visa info: Work permit or EU passport
UK
- R33,556 – R55,927
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 30-40 full-time, 15-25 part-time
- Visa info: EU citizenship or work visa
Asia
South Korea
- R26,845 – R29,082
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): up to 35
- Visa info: E2 Visa
China
- R22,349 – R51,404
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20-30
- Visa info: Z visa in advance
Japan
- R40,229 – R50,063
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 30
- Visa info: Work visa in advance (if you lose your job, it is still valid for work)
Thailand
- R12,292 – R17,879
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 22
- Visa info: Work visa
North America
USA
- R35,759 – R53,639
- Qualifications: BA/BS required on top of certification
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs):
- Visa info: Working visa
South America
Brazil
- R8,045 – R16,091
- Qualifications: No degree is required, but TEFL certification needed
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 25-30
- Visa info: Tourist visa
Columbia
- R12,292 – R16,762
- Qualifications: No degree is required, but TEFL certification needed
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 30-35
- Visa info: Work visa
Argentina
- Up to R66,155
- Qualifications: No degree is required, but TEFL certification needed
- Average teaching hours per week (hrs): 20 or more, high demand for hourly private lessons
- Visa info: Tourist visa converted to work visa
Read: Trouble for jobs in South Africa as businesses take strain
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